(Originally published in the April 2012 issue of the Nova Scotia Business Journal - "Aerospace & Defence" special advertising feature)
What’s to come in 2012
By Steve Elder — President of the Aerospace and Defence Industries Association of Nova Scotia
Aerospace, defence, security and marine sector activities in Nova Scotia continue to offer immediate and long-term opportunities for local companies in 2012 and beyond given varied capital procurements, both announced and planned, by the Canadian Forces under the Canada First Defence Strategy.
The selection of Irving Shipbuilding as one of the Centres of Excellence to build large combat ships will engender significant employment growth (estimated at 8,500 new jobs) and workforce training. Resulting economic activity will contribute to an increase in the provincial GDP heightening increased demand for retail supplies and services, substantially improving the provincial tax base.
As the projected timeline to begin construction on the first ship — the Arctic Offshore Patrol Ship — is not expected until 2013, there has been increased activity as Irving Shipbuilding establishes the partners and supply chain to commence ship construction. Also, the Government of Canada’s February 13th announcement of the Atlantic Shipbuilding Action Plan (ASAP) has unveiled a long-term strategy to assist Atlantic Canadian small to medium enterprises to prepare and identify economic and supply chain opportunities for their product and service offerings into the naval fleet renewal procurements. Since February, seven ASAP Supplier Development Information Sessions have been conducted within the region. At these sessions it was noted that combat ships carry sophisticated communication, surveillance, and weapon technologies that account for a major portion of the cost of the ship, and that Atlantic companies are well positioned to develop and supply these.
The awarding of the government contract to build new combat vehicles for the Canadian army under the Tactical Armoured Patrol Vehicle is anticipated for spring or early summer with the Close Combat Vehicle program expected to be awarded in the fall. The request for proposals for the Medium Support Vehicle System (replacing the army’s two-and-a-half-tonne trucks) is out with a projected date of late 2012 or early 2013.
On the air side, the government continues to look for Industrial Participation (IP/IRB) opportunities for Canadian industry pertaining to the Joint Strike Fighter program. The letter of interest has been released for the Fixed Wing Search and Rescue project with the request for proposals anticipated in 2013.
The possibilities are limitless for Nova Scotian companies who want to be part of the aerospace and defence supply chain through direct or indirect participation driven largely by the IRB program. The Aerospace and Defence Industries Association of Nova Scotia (ADIANS) continues to work closely with the federal government partners and industry to promote its members’ products, goods and services offerings.
Read more "Aerospace & Defence" feature stories at: http://www.ns.dailybusinessbuzz.ca/Industry-Spotlight/Aerospace-%26amp%3B-Defence-22890
